The U.S. flag has been removed from the World Health Organization. This as a direct consequence of President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from an institution we helped found and lead for nearly 80 years. It’s not a misunderstanding. It’s not symbolism run amok. It’s the visible result of a reckless policy choice.

The United States helped create the WHO in 1948 because we understood something fundamental after World War II: disease is a national security threat. For decades, U.S. leadership inside the WHO gave us early warning of outbreaks, influence over global health standards, and coordination that protected Americans before threats reached our shores.
Trump’s withdrawal has removed American influence entirely. You don’t fix something by walking away from it. You surrender control, credibility, and leverage. The decisions the WHO makes will still affect Americans: on travel, vaccines, supply chains, and outbreak response. Only now they’ll be made without U.S. leadership or oversight.

This move weakens U.S. preparedness by design. It cuts us off from coordinated global surveillance at a time when pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and biological threats are increasing, not fading. Any short-term political satisfaction comes at the cost of slower response times, higher long-term costs, and greater vulnerability.

Worse, it hands leadership to others. Power vacuums don’t stay empty. Countries with very different priorities and values are now better positioned to shape global health rules — while the U.S. stands on the sidelines, pretending disengagement is strength.

The flag didn’t come down because America was disrespected. It came down because American leadership was voluntarily withdrawn. That decision reflects ideology over evidence, grievance over governance, and posturing over preparedness.

Being a founding member of the WHO wasn’t charity. It was smart policy. Walking away from it isn’t bold. It’s self-sabotage.

www.ruthhaskinsmd.com
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#WorldHealthOrganization #isolationism #ladydocfolsom #OBGYN #ruthhaskinsmd

​There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the new food pyramid published by the USDA a couple of weeks ago and what it means for everyday eating. As with most updates to nutrition guidance, it includes some positive shifts along with areas that deserve thoughtful consideration.


It’s encouraging to see more focus on whole, minimally processed foods and a stronger message about cutting back on added sugars and ultra-processed items. Those changes are widely supported and helpful for overall health.


At the same time, some parts of the new pyramid place greater emphasis on animal-based foods. For many people, especially when eaten in larger amounts, higher intake of red meat, full-fat dairy, and saturated fats has been associated with increased risks for heart disease and other chronic conditions. That doesn’t mean these foods must be avoided entirely, but it does mean they’re best consumed in moderation and balanced with plenty of plant-based foods that provide fiber, antioxidants, and protective nutrients.


Healthy eating doesn’t need to be rigid or extreme. A varied, balanced approach — one that prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole foods, and moderation — tends to be the most sustainable and supportive of long-term health.


Nutrition guidance will continue to evolve, but the core idea remains the same: choosing foods that nourish the body while supporting long-term well-being.




www.ruthhaskinsmd.com




#health #ladydocfolsom #obgyn #ruthhaskinsmd

​Today I wanted to reiterate my concerns about measles activity both nationally and here in California. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know. It can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, miscarriage, premature birth, permanent disability, and even death, especially in infants, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

This surge is entirely preventable. As of January 13, 2026, 171 confirmed cases have already been reported in the U.S. this year across nine states, most linked to outbreaks that began in 2025. Last year, more than 2,200 cases were confirmed nationwide, including at least three deaths. In California alone, 25 cases were reported across multiple counties in 2025, and early this year, a case has already appeared in the Bay Area.

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to high vaccination coverage, but when vaccination rates fall, community protection breaks down and outbreaks follow. This isn’t about blame; it’s about reality and science. Vaccines work, and the MMR vaccine is our best defense.

Public health only works when we look out for one another, especially for babies and the vulnerable.

Please check your family’s vaccination status. Talk to your doctor and protect yourself, your family, and protect your community. Together, we can prevent measles from taking hold again.

www ruthhaskinsmd.com

#Measles #VaccinesWork #PublicHealth#ladydocFolsom #obgyn #ruthhaskinsmd

​January is here, bringing a fresh start and a beautiful opportunity to set intentions for a happy, healthy year ahead. As we welcome the New Year, it’s a wonderful time to focus on what matters most—our health, our well-being, and the care we give to ourselves and those we love.


As life gets busy again, we invite you to make space for your health. Schedule your annual exam, check in on your reproductive wellness, or simply come see us to talk about how you’re feeling. Starting the year with mindful care helps set the tone for balance and strength in the months ahead.


Our team is here with the same compassionate, attentive care you’ve come to trust, supporting you through every stage of life. We are truly grateful to begin another year serving this incredible community and being part of your journey.


📞 Call us at (916) 817-2649 or visit 🌐 www.ruthhaskinsmd.com 




#HappyHealthyNewYear #JanuaryWellness #ladydocfolsom #obgyn #ruthhaskinsmd

Before the season gets too hectic, I wanted to take a moment to send warm wishes to all. This time of year can be joyful, busy, emotional, or all of the above. I hope the days ahead bring moments of rest, connection, and care — for yourself and for those you love.

Wishing you a season filled with health, peace, and happiness.


#happyholidays #obgyn #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd

We’ve just passed the winter solstice, the time of year with the least daylight. As the days grow shorter, it’s not unusual to notice changes in energy, sleep, mood, or even menstrual symptoms. Many women feel these shifts without realizing how much seasonal light can play a role.


This is often a time when fatigue feels heavier, sleep feels off, or emotional ups and downs are more noticeable — especially during times of hormonal change like postpartum or perimenopause.


If these changes linger, worsen, or begin to affect daily life, it’s worth talking about. Paying attention to how you feel is an important part of caring for your overall health.


www.ruthhaskinsmd.com


#wintersalstice #obgyn #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd

To clear up the confusion around the recent CDC Advisory Panel change to the newborn hepatitis B vaccine recommendation.

For over 30 years, giving every baby the first hepatitis B shot at birth has been one of the safest, most effective public-health practices we have. It helped virtually eliminate infant hepatitis B in the U.S.
The new “shared decision-making” model may sound nice, but in real life it increases the chances that a newborn slips through the cracks with missed labs, late prenatal care, chaotic births, exhausted parents, etc. Hepatitis B in a newborn is serious: 90% of infected babies become lifelong carriers and face much higher risks of liver disease and cancer. The birth-dose prevents this.
This policy change is a step backward. Universal birth-dose was simple, safe, and protected every baby equally. 


www.ruthhaskinsmd.com


#safebabies #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd #obgyn

As I shared last year, the Holiday season, though filled with lights, festivities, and joyful gatherings, can also be an incredibly lonely time for many people. While some of us look forward to full homes, familiar traditions, and the company of loved ones, others quietly move through the season feeling isolated, unseen, or overwhelmed by memories and circumstances that make this time difficult.


It’s easy to overlook how many people around us may be struggling. A neighbor who recently lost a spouse. A friend whose children live far away. Someone going through illness, heartbreak, financial strain, or simply a period of life where support feels thin. Loneliness doesn’t always look obvious, and the holidays can magnify those feelings more than any other time of year.


If you know someone who may be spending Christmas alone—or who you sense might be facing a difficult season—please consider reaching out. Even the smallest act of connection can make a profound difference.
A simple phone call or text to let them know you’re thinking of them.
A Christmas card sent to someone you haven’t spoken with in a while.
A few minutes at a neighbor’s door to offer a warm greeting.
Or an invitation to join you for dinner, dessert, a walk, or a cup of coffee.


These small gestures cost little, but they carry immense weight. They can remind someone that they matter, that they haven’t been forgotten, and that kindness still finds its way even in the hardest seasons.


As we move through the holidays, I encourage all of us to stay mindful of the people around us—friends, family, patients, coworkers, neighbors—who may need just a bit of extra compassion. A small effort on our part has the power to brighten someone’s Christmas more than we may ever know.


Wishing you all peace, warmth, and connection this holiday season.
www.ruthhaskinsmd.com


#helpingothers #obgyn #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd